Realities of Relapse (feat. Jonathan)Realities of Relapse (feat. Jonathan)
Sober Sense
Jonathan talks openly about five years of chronic relapse, countless hospitals and sober livings, and how he eventually reached 11 years of sobriety. Todd and Brent contrast their one-time treatment journeys with Jonathan’s experience to offer grounded hope for anyone stuck in the relapse cycle.
1:06:37•3 Aug 2026
Realities of Relapse: Jonathan’s Five-Year Battle and 11 Years Sober
Episode Overview
- Relapse is common but doesn’t have to be the end; people can come back as long as they’re alive and willing to try again.
- Ego, lack of surrender, and victim mentality were key drivers in Jonathan’s five-year relapse cycle, more than outside circumstances.
- Deep change came through a structured six-month Salvation Army programme and honest work with a sponsor on the 12 steps.
- Helping others through sponsorship solidified Jonathan’s belief in the steps and shifted his focus from self to service.
- Surrounding oneself with people who actively work the programme, rather than chronic complainers, greatly improves the chances of staying sober.
“As long as you still have air in your lungs and your heart's still beating, you have an opportunity to turn the ship around, but it will not happen overnight.”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this candid chat on Sober Sense, Jonathan joins hosts Todd and Brent to talk about the messy, uncomfortable reality of relapse — and why it doesn’t have to be the end of anyone’s story. You’ll hear Jonathan reflect on a five-year stretch of repeated relapses that included dozens of hospital visits, failed attempts at white-knuckling sobriety, and reading the Big Book with a bottle of vodka in his hand.
He jokes about being the "degenerate" at the table, but his experience carries serious weight for anyone who keeps slipping and wonders if lasting sobriety is even possible. Todd and Brent bring their perspective as "unicorns" who stayed sober after one pass through treatment and the 12 steps, while Jonathan explains why that didn’t work for him at first.
He speaks honestly about ego, shame, and the belief that he could always find a different way, saying he was great at getting his life together but "could not keep my life together." The turning point came at a Salvation Army six-month programme and meeting a sponsor who, when asked what would be different this time, heard Jonathan say, "I don’t know" — and called that uncertainty a real chance.
The trio talk sponsorship, chronic relapsing, and why being around people who actually work the programme matters far more than hanging out with others who are still stuck.
Jonathan’s message to anyone who keeps going back out is clear: "Just don’t give up on yourself," and if you slip, "get back to a meeting." If relapse has been part of your journey or someone you care about keeps going in and out, this straight-talking episode might be the nudge to try one more time — are you ready to give yourself that chance?
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